Mt. Pleasant Mayhem off to good start in 2014

A women’s roller derby team in Mt. Pleasant is off to a good, if not slightly painful, start this year.

Central Michigan Maymen won its first bout of the year Jan. 18 in what was described as “a battle to the end,” team member Jessica McQuarter said.

Mayhem defeated the Mitten Mavens at Spinning Wheels, the team’s home rink, and donated the $200 in proceeds to the Friends of the Dog Park.

McQuarter said there are five bouts remaining this year, starting with a match against the Southern belles Feb. 22 at Spinning Wheels.

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Other bouts are March 22 in Flint versus the Flint City Derby Girls; April 19 at home against the Traverse City Cherry Bombs; May 17 in Marshall against the Marshall Renegade Rollitia; and June 7 at home against Chemical City Derby Girls of Midland.

Central Michigan Mayhem began to form in November 2010 and officially became a league he following year, competing in their first bout in June 2011, McQuarter said.

Although they are established and competing, the team is always looking for more players, McQuarter said.

“We’re always recruiting women and men (as referees) 18 years old and up,” she said. “If you’re looking for some great exercise and new friends, contact us.”

Mayhem practices at Spinning Wheels, located on North Mission Road in Rosebush, Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Mayhem can provide skates and protective gear but anyone wanting to participate is asked to bring her own mouth guard.

Women on the team feel strongly about donating to charitable organizations and causes, and have given money to the Sexual Abuse Nurse Examiners, Saving Animals From Euthanasia, the Discovery Museum in Mt. Pleasant, the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen, the Jeremy “Jake” Dickman Memorial Fund, Student Veterans of America, AIDS Walk of Central Michigan, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, PEAK-Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Isabella County, Relay for Life and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Gratiot County.

Team members are selecting the remaining charities for this season in February, and McQuarter said they try to keep the donations local.

Anyone who is involved with a local charity needing assistance is asked to contact Mayhem at info@centralmirollerderby.com.